Function and Backfire

function

Mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function. ()
- synonyms: mathematical function, single-valued function, map, mapping
What something is used for.
- usage: "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it"
- synonyms: purpose, role, use
The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group.
- usage: "the function of a teacher"; "the government must do its part"; "play its role"
- synonyms: office, part, role
A relation such that one thing is dependent on another.
- usage: "height is a function of age"; "price is a function of supply and demand"
A formal or official social gathering or ceremony.
- usage: "it was a black-tie function"
A vaguely specified social event.
- usage: "the party was quite an affair"; "an occasion arranged to honor the president"; "a seemingly endless round of social functions"
- synonyms: affair, occasion, social occasion, social function
A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program.
- synonyms: routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure

Perform as expected when applied.
- usage: "The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in"; "Does this old car still run well"; "This old radio doesn't work anymore"
- synonyms: work, operate, go, run
Serve a purpose, role, or function.
- usage: "The tree stump serves as a table"; "The female students served as a control group"; "This table would serve very well"; "His freedom served him well"; "The table functions as a desk"
- synonyms: serve
Perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function.
- usage: "His wife officiated as his private secretary"
- synonyms: officiate

(v.i.) Alternative of Functionate.
(n.) The course of action which peculiarly pertains to any public officer in church or state; the activity appropriate to any business or profession.
(n.) A quantity so connected with another quantity, that if any alteration be made in the latter there will be a consequent alteration in the former. Each quantity is said to be a function of the other. Thus, the circumference of a circle is a function of the diameter. If x be a symbol to which different numerical values can be assigned, such expressions as x2, 3x, Log. x, and Sin. x, are all functions of x.
(n.) The act of executing or performing any duty, office or calling; per formance.
(n.) The appropriate action of any special organ or part of an animal or vegetable organism; as, the function of the heart or the limbs; the function of leaves, sap, roots, etc.; life is the sum of the functions of the various organs and parts of the body.
(n.) The natural or assigned action of any power or faculty, as of the soul or of the intellect; the exertion of an energy of some determinate kind.
(n.) A public or social ceremony or gathering; a festivity or entertainment, especially one somewhat formal.
(n.) A religious ceremony, especially one particularly impressive and elaborate.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

backfire

The backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired.
- synonyms: blowback
A loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine.
A fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path.
A miscalculation that recoils on its maker.
- synonyms: boomerang

Come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect.
- usage: "Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble"
- synonyms: backlash, recoil
Emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire.
- usage: "My old car backfires all the time"
Set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire. .